In today’s world of educational cut backs in the arts, necessity has become the mother of invention. Many parents are recognizing the positive impact art has in their children’s lives and its ability to build creative and critical thinking skills.

Says Barbara Martin, Alfond curator of education at the Museum of Fine Arts, “Think about opportunities to engage your kids with the visual world.” She suggests playing looking games with your children to help foster a “visual awareness of their surroundings” as well as keeping a stock of art supplies handy at home for when inspiration strikes. Taking your child to the museum is also an excellent way to expose them to the world of art. Many museums offer activity sheets for children or art classes to allow them to interact with the art they experience at the museum.

To read more about what parents can do to compensate for school cut backs in the arts, click here.

How are you integrating art into your child’s life?